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BBQ Festival Guide

Texas Monthly BBQ Fest

November 7–8, 2026Lockhart, TX

About the festival

Run annually since 2010, Texas Monthly BBQ Fest is the state's premier barbecue celebration. It pairs a free downtown-Lockhart 'BBQ World's Fair' with the ticketed Top 50 Picnic, where you can sample from dozens of the best barbecue joints in Texas. Proceeds benefit Feeding Texas.

Visit the official site

Where to eat while you’re in Austin

Our highest-rated Austin barbecue — worth a detour whether or not you make the festival.

Franklin Barbecue

Franklin Barbecue

East Austin·9.9
Snow's BBQ

Snow's BBQ

Lexington·9.7
La Barbecue

La Barbecue

East Cesar Chavez·9.5
Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ

Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ

South Austin·9.4
Louie Mueller Barbecue

Louie Mueller Barbecue

Taylor·9.3
Terry Black's Barbecue

Terry Black's Barbecue

Barton Springs·9.3
Kreuz Market

Kreuz Market

Lockhart·9.2
Micklethwait Craft Meats

Micklethwait Craft Meats

East Austin·9.2
See the full Austin BBQ guide
Good to Know

TM BBQ Fest — Frequently Asked Questions

When is TM BBQ Fest?

Texas Monthly BBQ Fest runs November 7–8, 2026. Held each fall in Lockhart, about 35 miles south of Austin.

Where is TM BBQ Fest held?

Texas Monthly BBQ Fest is held at Lockhart, TX.

What barbecue should I eat while I'm in Austin?

Beyond the festival, Austin's top-ranked spots include Franklin Barbecue, Snow's BBQ, and La Barbecue — see our full Austin guide for the rest.